Cathal Liam's Blood on the Shamrock

Cathal's Commentary

I'm completing a new book project but am still seeking any information you might have regarding a Co. Wicklow man by the name of Tom Cullen. He was one of the historical figures I featured in my latest book, Blood On The Shamrock. Tom, born in Blessington, enlisted in the Irish Volunteers, participated in Dublin's 1916 Easter revolt and later lived for a short period in Wicklow Town. During Ireland's War of Independence (1919-1921), he was an associate of Michael Collins, serving as his Assistant Director of Intelligence. During this time he worked with Liam Tobin and Frank Thornton among others. Tom married Delia Considine, also from Wicklow Town, in January, 1921. In the run-up to Ireland's Civil War and just prior to Collins's death in August, 1922, Cullen was a bodyguard and driver for the Big Fellow. During this time, he was commissioined a major-general in the new Free State army. With Civil War fighting 'officially' over in the summer of 1923, Cullen more or less disappears from the history books.Tom is buried in Rathnew, a village just a mile northwest of Wicklow Town. If you have any information or contacts who might be of assistance to me in my research, please email me at cathal@cathalliam.com or drop me a line at St. Padraic Press, P. O. Box 43351, Cincinnati, Ohio 45243-0351. I would be most appreciative of any help you are able to offer. With best wishes, Cathal Liam

St. Padraic Press P.O. Box 43351 Cincinnati OH 45243-0351 513.985.9316 (fax)